The Western Bulldogs have announced the departure of executive football lead Chris Grant, who leaves the Kennel after a decorated stint that spanned over three decades and across an array of roles.
Grant has been a key piece in the Dogs' football programs since calling time on his 341-game playing career in the red, white and blue in 2007.
He would step into a board role with the club four years after hanging up the boots and would be handed a position to take charge of the Dogs' football department in 2016.
In that period, Grant played an integral part in the club's drought-breaking 2016 AFL premiership, a VFL premiership the same year, and the Dogs' maiden AFLW premiership in 2018 shortly after their inauguration into the Women's competition.
โI've spent over half of my life with the Club as a player and administrator and will cherish the many memories we have created together at the Western Bulldogs,โ Grant said in a statement.
โWhile the decision to pause and map out the next stage of my professional career has not been an easy one, I leave knowing the Club is in a great position to succeed and write the next chapter in the amazing history of the red, white and blue.
โI would like to take the opportunity to thank all the players, coaches, and football department staff across all our programs for the trust they have shown in me to manage the football department over the past nine years, forging lifelong friendships and creating some amazing memories together along the way.
โI am looking forward to spending some quality time with Mel, Isabella, Sascha and Ollie over the coming months as we embark on the next stage of our family life together.โ
Grant first joined Footscray via the 1988 Draft as the 105th overall selection and would make his debut for the club two years later.
He would end his stellar playing career with a then-record 341 games for the club, claiming multiple All-Australian and best and fairest honours during that time.
He would also captain the Bulldogs for five seasons at the start of this century and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
โChris has been an outstanding Bulldogs person for more than three decades, characterised by great integrity, care and compassion for the Club and our people,โ Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains said.
โWithout exception, Chris has always put the Club first, building a legacy that includes overseeing two premierships and countless accolades during his time as a champion player and progressive leader at the Bulldogs.
โChris remains one of the best players to ever don the red, white and blue jumper. As an administrator, his ever-calming influence and ability to lead people has guided this Club through both successful and challenging times.
โOn behalf of our Club and the entire Bulldogs community, we're extremely grateful to Chris for everything he has done for us and we wish him well for the next chapter of his journey.โ
The Dogs had a reshuffling in their football department earlier this year, with Matthew Egan stepping into the role of general manager of football operations prior to the 2024 season starting.
Grant will officially leave his role next month.
